Games For Teaching Motion
Here is what you are looking for. It's a bank of different games that I personally use to teach motion offense. Most of the games need to be customized to fit what you are looking to teach. I would also encourage you to invent your own games (then send them to me!) to fit what you need. Lots of these games are shown as 4 on 4 on 4, but they can be played as 3 on 3 on 3, or just 3 on 3 and 4 on 4 as well. These games also must be modified to use whatever offensive rules, concepts, and alignments you use in your motion. If you are a read and react coach, you should be playing these games using read and react rules. If you are 4 out coach, you can use different 4 out rules.
As I continue to go through the process of learning a games based approach, I will add games as we go. Anyway, on with the games!
Game: 4 on 4 on 4
Purpose:
This game is the basis for a lot of what we do. If I could only do one game, this one would be it. We introduce different rules to change it up a little bit. This game is best used to drill the half court aspects of the offense.
Description:
The game starts with three teams. One team starts on offense, one team starts on defense, and one team is out on the baseline. The two
teams in the game play one possession. If the offense scores they get 1 point and they stay on. The defense sprints out. The team on the baseline now comes in on defense. Right as the offense scores, they throw the ball to the coach, sprint to offensive spots, the coach passes back, and it's live.
As I continue to go through the process of learning a games based approach, I will add games as we go. Anyway, on with the games!
Game: 4 on 4 on 4
Purpose:
This game is the basis for a lot of what we do. If I could only do one game, this one would be it. We introduce different rules to change it up a little bit. This game is best used to drill the half court aspects of the offense.
Description:
The game starts with three teams. One team starts on offense, one team starts on defense, and one team is out on the baseline. The two
teams in the game play one possession. If the offense scores they get 1 point and they stay on. The defense sprints out. The team on the baseline now comes in on defense. Right as the offense scores, they throw the ball to the coach, sprint to offensive spots, the coach passes back, and it's live.
If the defense gets a stop, they throw the ball to the coach. The offense sprints out (no point), the defense sprints to offensive spots, and the players on the baseline come in on defense. As soon as the offense is set, the coach throws them the ball and the next two teams play.
You play until one team gets _____ number of points (I like 3). Debrief with the players - talk about what went right and wrong, question them about their thoughts. This should take no more than 1 minute. Then immediately start the next game. Add "outs" in order to create habits you want. I always have outs in the games we play. "Outs" are things that, if they happen, result in the offense going out of the game. For example, pass and stand is an automatic out.
Tips:
Important to keep the game moving. Once they've learned the game, I give the teams 3 seconds to get ready between possessions. Change the rules in order to stress the habits you want. You can add a ball clock to the game - for me a ball clock is the amount of time a player has to make a decision - I prefer a two second ball clock. You can also change your alignment, I usually use 4 out, but will also go 3 out 1 in at times. You can also change rules about shot selection and who shoots. This doesn't have to be 4 on 4 on 4, it could be 3 on 3 on 3, 2 on 2 on 2, or 5 on 5 on 5 depending on the numbers of kids you have and what you want accomplished.
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 Paint Touches/Reversals
Purpose:
This game is a great way to introduce the important motion concepts of ball reversals and paint touches.
Description:
The game is the same as regular 4 on 4 on 4 above. Now the rule is that the offense can't shoot until they get a certain number of reversals or they get the ball into the paint. This creates the habits of inside out play and swinging the ball that good motion coaches want.
Tips:
Important to keep the game moving. You can add a ball clock to the game - for me a ball clock is the amount of time a player has to make a decision - I prefer a two second ball clock. You can also change your alignment, I usually use 4 out, but will also go 3 out 1 in at times.
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 No Dribble
Purpose:
This game works great when you are teaching the cutting and screening aspects of the motion offense.
Description:
The game is the same as above. Except now the offense can't dribble. This is the best game to play in order to teach players to move without the ball - screening and cutting layers. It is also the best way I know to teach passing.
Tips:
Important to keep the game moving. Once they've learned the game, I give the teams 3 seconds to get ready between possessions. Change the rules in order to stress the habits you want. You can add a ball clock to the game - for me a ball clock is the amount of time a player has to make a decision - I prefer a two second ball clock. You have to coach them on how to move the ball without the dribble. I do allow players to dribble if they catch the ball in the post and if they catch the ball on a cut (can use 2 dribbles to finish in the lane).
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 __________ to Score
Purpose:
This game lets you play 4 on 4 on 4 but focus on one element of the offense. The offense plays 4 on 4 on 4 but must score on a designated action.
Description:
The game is the same as 4 on 4 on 4 above. The difference is that the offense can only score on a designated action. For example, if you play 4 on 4 on 4 Screen to Score, the offense must score off of a screening action. If they don't score on that action, they are out.
Tips:
Help them understand how to create shots out of the actions that you want.
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 or 5 on 5 From BLOB and SLOB
Purpose:
This is a great way to work on your BLOB and SLOB sets and practice flowing them into your motion.
Description:The game is the same as 4 on 4 on 4 above. Except you always start the ball in a baseline inbounds, or sideline inbounds situation. So for example, if you run a 4 low where the posts cross screen and the ball side pops, every possession in the 4 on 4 on 4 game starts with an inbounder, ball side corner, and two posts. The posts cross, the corner rises, and you get into your motion from there. It is a great way to practice transitioning from your sets to your motion.
Tips:
You can run this as a 4 on 4 on 4 or a 5 on 5 game depending on what you need out of your BLOB or SLOB practice. Make sure they actually run the action before inbounding the ball.
Game: Ping Pong
Purpose:
This game helps your players run the break and transition from fast break into motion. It also helps them handle presses and pressure.
Description:
The game starts with three teams - they can be teams of 3, 4, or 5 (I like 4). Team A starts at half court with the ball. Team B starts under one basket and Team C starts under the other basket. Team A comes down against team B and they play. If A scores they take it out and transition to the other end against team C. Team B presses them to half court.
Tips:
Important to keep the game moving. Once they've learned the game, I give the teams 3 seconds to get ready between possessions. Change the rules in order to stress the habits you want. You can add a ball clock to the game - for me a ball clock is the amount of time a player has to make a decision - I prefer a two second ball clock. You can also change your alignment, I usually use 4 out, but will also go 3 out 1 in at times. You can also change rules about shot selection and who shoots. This doesn't have to be 4 on 4 on 4, it could be 3 on 3 on 3, 2 on 2 on 2, or 5 on 5 on 5 depending on the numbers of kids you have and what you want accomplished.
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 Paint Touches/Reversals
Purpose:
This game is a great way to introduce the important motion concepts of ball reversals and paint touches.
Description:
The game is the same as regular 4 on 4 on 4 above. Now the rule is that the offense can't shoot until they get a certain number of reversals or they get the ball into the paint. This creates the habits of inside out play and swinging the ball that good motion coaches want.
Tips:
Important to keep the game moving. You can add a ball clock to the game - for me a ball clock is the amount of time a player has to make a decision - I prefer a two second ball clock. You can also change your alignment, I usually use 4 out, but will also go 3 out 1 in at times.
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 No Dribble
Purpose:
This game works great when you are teaching the cutting and screening aspects of the motion offense.
Description:
The game is the same as above. Except now the offense can't dribble. This is the best game to play in order to teach players to move without the ball - screening and cutting layers. It is also the best way I know to teach passing.
Tips:
Important to keep the game moving. Once they've learned the game, I give the teams 3 seconds to get ready between possessions. Change the rules in order to stress the habits you want. You can add a ball clock to the game - for me a ball clock is the amount of time a player has to make a decision - I prefer a two second ball clock. You have to coach them on how to move the ball without the dribble. I do allow players to dribble if they catch the ball in the post and if they catch the ball on a cut (can use 2 dribbles to finish in the lane).
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 __________ to Score
Purpose:
This game lets you play 4 on 4 on 4 but focus on one element of the offense. The offense plays 4 on 4 on 4 but must score on a designated action.
Description:
The game is the same as 4 on 4 on 4 above. The difference is that the offense can only score on a designated action. For example, if you play 4 on 4 on 4 Screen to Score, the offense must score off of a screening action. If they don't score on that action, they are out.
Tips:
Help them understand how to create shots out of the actions that you want.
Game: 4 on 4 on 4 or 5 on 5 From BLOB and SLOB
Purpose:
This is a great way to work on your BLOB and SLOB sets and practice flowing them into your motion.
Description:The game is the same as 4 on 4 on 4 above. Except you always start the ball in a baseline inbounds, or sideline inbounds situation. So for example, if you run a 4 low where the posts cross screen and the ball side pops, every possession in the 4 on 4 on 4 game starts with an inbounder, ball side corner, and two posts. The posts cross, the corner rises, and you get into your motion from there. It is a great way to practice transitioning from your sets to your motion.
Tips:
You can run this as a 4 on 4 on 4 or a 5 on 5 game depending on what you need out of your BLOB or SLOB practice. Make sure they actually run the action before inbounding the ball.
Game: Ping Pong
Purpose:
This game helps your players run the break and transition from fast break into motion. It also helps them handle presses and pressure.
Description:
The game starts with three teams - they can be teams of 3, 4, or 5 (I like 4). Team A starts at half court with the ball. Team B starts under one basket and Team C starts under the other basket. Team A comes down against team B and they play. If A scores they take it out and transition to the other end against team C. Team B presses them to half court.
If B gets the stop they take the ball and transition down to the other end against team C - and A can press to half court. We play to ____ number of scores - again I like three. We then talk about what happened and start the next game. Add "outs" in order to create habits you want. "Outs" are things that, if they happen, result in the offense going out of the game. For example, pass and stand is an automatic out.
Tips:
Important to get players to press until half court and pick up at half court, it creates a great environment to learn to to break full court pressure. You must coach the offense on how to break a press. Also focus on players pushing the ball hard from end to end and flowing from transition to motion.
Game: Blood Drills
Purpose:
These drills I stole and modified from Vance Walberg who is the father of the dribble drive. These games are used when teaching the drive and kick aspect of motion offense.
Description:
You can get players into teams of 2, 3, or 4. Put them in different spots on offense. Start one perimeter player with the ball, and their defender behind them on the right or left side. The coach says "go" and the player with the ball drives on the side opposite of the defender. On the drive, the offense reads the defense and they play out of it.
So for example, look at picture #1. This would be called 44 Baseline Blood. You have two guards, a wing, and a post on the back side. The guard on the wing side has the ball, his defender is on his left back hip. The guard drives right, reading the wing's defender and post's defender and makes a decision to score, or dish. The other three players (2, 3, 4) react according to your driving rules. After 1 puts the ball on the floor it is live from that point.
If you look at #2, it's the same set up, but now the defender is on the baseline side and the drive is to the middle. Again, the other three players react according to your driving rules. You could even do some 2 on 2 actions, such as the one in picture #3. Again, design these games to engrain habits that you want your players to have.
Important to get players to press until half court and pick up at half court, it creates a great environment to learn to to break full court pressure. You must coach the offense on how to break a press. Also focus on players pushing the ball hard from end to end and flowing from transition to motion.
Game: Blood Drills
Purpose:
These drills I stole and modified from Vance Walberg who is the father of the dribble drive. These games are used when teaching the drive and kick aspect of motion offense.
Description:
You can get players into teams of 2, 3, or 4. Put them in different spots on offense. Start one perimeter player with the ball, and their defender behind them on the right or left side. The coach says "go" and the player with the ball drives on the side opposite of the defender. On the drive, the offense reads the defense and they play out of it.
So for example, look at picture #1. This would be called 44 Baseline Blood. You have two guards, a wing, and a post on the back side. The guard on the wing side has the ball, his defender is on his left back hip. The guard drives right, reading the wing's defender and post's defender and makes a decision to score, or dish. The other three players (2, 3, 4) react according to your driving rules. After 1 puts the ball on the floor it is live from that point.
If you look at #2, it's the same set up, but now the defender is on the baseline side and the drive is to the middle. Again, the other three players react according to your driving rules. You could even do some 2 on 2 actions, such as the one in picture #3. Again, design these games to engrain habits that you want your players to have.
Tips:
Important to emphasize straight line drives and attacking the rim. The reactions to the drive are going to be different - depending on your driving philosophy.
Game: Knight 2 on 2
Purpose:
This game is designed to help players learn how to screen - especially on the back side.
Description:
Get players into groups of three. One offensive player starts at a guard/slot spot with the ball and is unguarded. The other two players start in the guard/wing/post and are defended. The two guarded offensive players have to screen each other in order to score. They get no dribbles and 1 pass after a catch. If they catch the ball and there is nothing there, they can pass back to the passer and re-screen. They get three passes from the passer to score or they are done. Score or not, switch offense and defense. Teams play to 3 scores.
Important to emphasize straight line drives and attacking the rim. The reactions to the drive are going to be different - depending on your driving philosophy.
Game: Knight 2 on 2
Purpose:
This game is designed to help players learn how to screen - especially on the back side.
Description:
Get players into groups of three. One offensive player starts at a guard/slot spot with the ball and is unguarded. The other two players start in the guard/wing/post and are defended. The two guarded offensive players have to screen each other in order to score. They get no dribbles and 1 pass after a catch. If they catch the ball and there is nothing there, they can pass back to the passer and re-screen. They get three passes from the passer to score or they are done. Score or not, switch offense and defense. Teams play to 3 scores.
Tips:
Important to stress HOW to screen and what screens you can run from each configuration of post, wing, and guard. You can add an out where if they do not screen the defense they are automatically out.
Game: Spurs 5 on 5
Purpose:
This game allows you to play short games of 5 on 5 to emphasize different aspects of the offense.
Description:
You need two teams of 5. They play full court 5 on 5 for three possessions. Each possession is worth 1 point - if you get a score you get that point but if you get a stop you get that point. So the goal is to get at least 2 of the 3 total points.
Tips:
This is a great drill to use right after 4 on 4 on 4 drills so they can use the concept that you just practiced in a true game setting. Also a great lead in from a small sided game (less than 5 on 5) to a fully live situation.
Game: 5 on 5 to 3 Points
Purpose:
This is a way to play quick, mostly live, games in order to practice whatever aspect of motion you are working on.
Description:
This is pretty simple, play 5 on 5 full court. First team to get three scores wins. You can address issues between games.
Tips:
Pick 1 on 2 things to emphasize during 5 on 5 play. Then monitor the games and see if what we worked on came through. It's very important to play a lot of 5 on 5 because that is the most game like environment you can have.
Game: 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 on a Side
Purpose:
This modified game helps players to be creative, play in space, and look to score.
Description:
Players play 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 on one half of the court. The players get from one sideline to a step outside the lane on the opposite side. They play 3 on 3 in this confined space. Play to 3 scores. You can also have them run certain actions on the side. But I would really just let them try to figure out how to score.
Important to stress HOW to screen and what screens you can run from each configuration of post, wing, and guard. You can add an out where if they do not screen the defense they are automatically out.
Game: Spurs 5 on 5
Purpose:
This game allows you to play short games of 5 on 5 to emphasize different aspects of the offense.
Description:
You need two teams of 5. They play full court 5 on 5 for three possessions. Each possession is worth 1 point - if you get a score you get that point but if you get a stop you get that point. So the goal is to get at least 2 of the 3 total points.
Tips:
This is a great drill to use right after 4 on 4 on 4 drills so they can use the concept that you just practiced in a true game setting. Also a great lead in from a small sided game (less than 5 on 5) to a fully live situation.
Game: 5 on 5 to 3 Points
Purpose:
This is a way to play quick, mostly live, games in order to practice whatever aspect of motion you are working on.
Description:
This is pretty simple, play 5 on 5 full court. First team to get three scores wins. You can address issues between games.
Tips:
Pick 1 on 2 things to emphasize during 5 on 5 play. Then monitor the games and see if what we worked on came through. It's very important to play a lot of 5 on 5 because that is the most game like environment you can have.
Game: 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 on a Side
Purpose:
This modified game helps players to be creative, play in space, and look to score.
Description:
Players play 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 on one half of the court. The players get from one sideline to a step outside the lane on the opposite side. They play 3 on 3 in this confined space. Play to 3 scores. You can also have them run certain actions on the side. But I would really just let them try to figure out how to score.
Tips:
Let them figure it out. They are going to be frustrated at first, but will slowly learn how to play in space. You can also run this as a 3 on 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 on 2 game. You can also add a coach as a passer to create some different options.
Let them figure it out. They are going to be frustrated at first, but will slowly learn how to play in space. You can also run this as a 3 on 3 on 3 or 2 on 2 on 2 game. You can also add a coach as a passer to create some different options.